Child activity apparatus, system, and method

ABSTRACT

An child activity system, includes an upper graspable bar, a lower base configured to maintain the combined center of gravity of the child activity system and a child within the extremities of the lower base, and a plurality of attacher bars. The child activity system is configurable by hand between a walking training configuration, a play feature configuration, and a storage configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority topatent application Ser. No. 11/278,657 entitled “INFANT ACTIVITY SYSTEM”and filed on Apr. 4, 2006 for Michael J. Monaghan, and patentapplication Ser. No. 12/037,821 entitled “CHILD ACTIVITY SYSTEMS”, andfiled on Feb. 28, 2008 for Michael J. Monaghan, which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to systems for standing,walking training and imaginative play for infants, new toddlers, andtoddlers. More specifically, the invention relates generally to systemsfor young children's exercise and entertainment while also providingopportunities for standing and walking training.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

Frequently, children learn to walk by “furniture surfing” (e.g., infantswho are just starting to stand, holding onto sofas and coffee tables asthey navigate their way around a living room). At least in part, thismay be due to the lack of an alternative method. Obviously, “furnituresurfing” represents a risk to the child, e.g., in the event the childshould fall against a sharp corner or edge.

A primary alternative to “furniture surfing” is “parent surfing”, whichinvolves the active participation of the adult in holding the child'shands while the child attempts to walk. This method is often short—liveddue to adult fatigue.

Today, there are few readily available alternatives which provide thefunctional combination of walking training, exercise and entertainment.Generally, the currently readily available alternatives fail to provideat least one of the desired functions and often have significant safetylimitations, even with parental supervision.

Heretofore, other solutions have tended to be heavy, expensive,complicated, difficult to set up, difficult to manufacture, and costlyto manufacture. Additionally, safety-related features have been limited.

Therefore, a need exists for a system which is safe, inexpensive andeasily manufactured, and which provides child walking training incombination with other functions.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an apparatus, system, and method that provide a safe and effectivemethod for child walking training. Beneficially, such an apparatus,system, and method would include features and accessories that wouldhold a child's interest as it plays and as it grows older, includingafter when it learns to walk. Accordingly, the present invention hasbeen developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for childwalking training that overcome many or all of the above-discussedshortcomings in the art.

The system, in one embodiment, includes an upper graspable bar composedof bars and bar connectors connected to substantially circumscribe anupper area. The system also includes a lower base having extremitiesthat engage the floor when the child activity system is resting on thelower base. The lower base is configured to maintain the combined centerof gravity of the child activity system and a child within theextremities of the lower base. The system also includes a plurality ofattacher bars connecting the upper graspable bar and the lower base. Theattacher bars also support the upper graspable bar and the lower basesubstantially rigid with respect to each other. The system isselectively configurable by hand without tools between a plurality ofconfigurations. These configurations include a walking trainingconfiguration, a play feature configuration, and a storageconfiguration. In the storage configuration the child activity system isat least partially disassembled to take up less space.

According to one embodiment, a child placed within the upper area of thesystem is bounded on substantially opposite sides by the upper graspablebar. According to another embodiment, configuring the system for theplay feature configuration includes removably mounting one or more playfeatures to the child activity system. According to another embodiment,configuring the system for the play feature configuration includesorienting the child activity system such that the lower base and theupper graspable bar are substantially vertically oriented.

According to one embodiment, the one or more play features include atleast one of a basketball hoop, a toy, a table, an infant harness, atent material, and a goal net. According to one embodiment, thebasketball hoop includes a u-shaped coupler which is configured to reston a horizontally oriented bar of one of the upper graspable bar and thelower base.

According to one embodiment, the tent material comprises one or morefasteners to secure the tent material to the child activity system toform a tent-like structure. The tent material is drapable over the uppergraspable bar with the fasteners attached to the lower base. Thetent-like structure has one or more walls that extend to the ground whenthe child activity system is resting on the lower base.

According to one embodiment, the bar connectors are concurrentlyfriction-fittable to at least two bars. According to one embodiment, thebar connectors comprise one or more three-way elbow bar connectors.According to one embodiment, the bars and bar connectors of the uppergraspable bar form a rectangle comprising two ends and two sides. Thesides are greater in length than the ends and the ends are disposed atends of the system. The system is selectively rest-able on the lowerbase and the ends.

According to one embodiment, the play feature configuration comprisesorienting the child activity system to rest on an end. According to oneembodiment, one of the bars of the activity system comprises two or morebars and one or more straight bar connectors. According to oneembodiment, the system includes one or more bar extenders.

According to one embodiment, the walking training configurationcomprises resting the child activity system on the lower base. Accordingto one embodiment, the walking training configuration includes a toymounted on the upper graspable bar. The child may be placed opposite ofthe toy to motivate the child to walk toward the toy.

According to one embodiment, the graspable bar and the lower base eachhave a length and a width and the length of the upper graspable bar issubstantially the same as the length of the base. According to oneembodiment, the width of the lower base is about three times the widthof the upper graspable bar or greater.

According to one embodiment, the system include an activity mat havingone or more base fasteners, the base fasteners configured to maintainthe child activity system on the activity mat. According to oneembodiment, the system includes one or more play accessories such as anactivity mat, a ball, a toy hockey puck, a mini goal, a toy baseballbat, a toy hockey stick, a toy lacrosse stick, and a toy cricket paddle.

According to one embodiment, the system includes one or more fasteners.The fasteners may include one or more of a Y-spring fastener, a C-springfastener, a hook and loop fastener, and a ring fastener.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of a child activity system of thepresent invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the present invention illustrated in FIG.1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2B further illustrates a front plan view of the present invention,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2C is an end view showing three different height adjustments of thepresent invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration of the present invention showingcomponents before assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective illustration showing components of an endportion of the present invention, the manner in which the upper andlower portions are connected, and the telescopic method behind theheight adjustments, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective illustration of the present invention showingcomponents before assembly, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a perspective illustration showing components of an endportion of the present invention, the manner in which the upper andlower portions are connected, and the telescopic method behind theheight adjustments, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates upper side bars of the present invention, accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates small diameter and large diameter bars of theattacher bars that make up a portion of the end of the presentinvention, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict spring fasteners, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate end and elevational views of elbow barconnectors of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and end views of a three-way barconnector of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates components of upper portion of the end supportsegment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate components of the present inventionarranged for packing, shipment and stowage, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a activity system kit, illustrating the components of a kitused to make up the child activity system of FIG. 1, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 10A illustrates upper side bars of the present invention, accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 10B illustrates bar extenders, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an attachable play feature of thechild activity system 100, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an attachable play feature of thechild activity system used for walking training, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an attachable play feature of the childactivity system 100, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate activity mats for the child activitysystem, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 14C illustrates a rubber pad for reducing slippage of the childactivity system 100, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates exemplary activity accessories, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate exemplary activity accessories andconfigurations of the child activity system, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate exemplary activity/play tables for use withthe child activity system, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary infant harness and toy accessory,according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided, such as examples of programming, software modules, userselections, network transactions, database queries, database structures,hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally setforth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order andlabeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method.Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent infunction, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, ofthe illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employedare provided to explain the logical steps of the method and areunderstood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrowtypes and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, theyare understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method.Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only thelogical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate awaiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumeratedsteps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which aparticular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order ofthe corresponding steps shown.

Initially referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a child activity system200 is shown. As shown, the child activity system 100 includes a numberof bars and bar connectors configured to provide a stable and safesystem on which children can play while learning to walk. The childactivity system 100 includes an upper graspable bar 103 formed by twoupper sidebars 104, two upper end bars 106, and four three-way barconnectors 108. It also includes a lower base 109 formed by four lowerend bars 114, six elbow bar connectors 116, and two lower side bars 118.Attacher bars 110, connect the upper graspable bar 103 to the lower base109.

According to one embodiment, the bars and bar connectors of the childactivity system 100 is constructed of light-weight, strong, and stablematerial. According to one embodiment, the child activity system 100 isconstructed of plastic pipes, e.g., ABS (Acrylonitrile ButadieneStyrene), or other child-safe plastic. According to one embodiment, thestrength of child activity system 100 is provided, at least in part, byadvanced materials of plastic pipes and couplings that are extruded ormolded from ABS or other child-safe plastic. As an example, pipediameters could be in the range of ½″ to 1″ or more, if appropriate, andformed in a way comparable to Schedule 40 PVC. Although the pipes andcouplings may be formed in a similar form, shape or function to PVCpiping, other materials may be used in some embodiments. For example,ABS, material formed from a corn or vegetable polymer, or other childsafe materials may be used to form the piping of the child activitysystem 100.

According to one embodiment, the diameter chosen will yield a barcircumference that is able to be grasped by the hand of a small child.Upon reading the teachings of this specification one of ordinary skillin the art will understand that, the type of plastic used and the pipediameters can vary greatly. For example, under appropriatecircumstances, considering issues such as cost, material availability,weight, durability, child safety, market demand, etc., other materialsor diameters may be used. Additionally, the type of material used bydifferent bars and/or connectors may also vary within a single childactivity system 100.

According to one embodiment, the size of the child activity system 100is configured to fit about 80 to about 90 percent of childrenapproximately ten to eighteen months of age. For example, the height,width, bar circumference may be designed for this an age group. Such anembodiment, for example, may be directed at infants that are learning towalk. Other sized embodiments, such as larger embodiments of the presentinvention may be suited to the training of physically challengedindividuals and in patient physical therapy.

According to one embodiment, the child activity system 100 is configuredto allow an adult to assemble or disassemble the child activity system100 without the use of tools. This may be accomplished by having one ormore connectors which are friction-fittable to one or more bars.

The geometry and shape of the child activity system 100 can be veryimportant to the safety and enjoyment it provides for children.According to one embodiment, the child activity system 100 is configuredto allow a child to move in all directions around, under and through thechild activity system 100 essentially without limitation due to the lackof walls between the various bars. This may help to promote interest andcontinuous usage by the child for more than a few brief moments.

The upper graspable bar 103 of FIG. 1 is shown enclosing a rectangulararea. According to other embodiments, the upper graspable bar 103 mayenclose or substantially enclose areas of other polygonal ornon-polygonal shapes. According to one embodiment, the shape of theupper graspable bar 103 and the enclosed or substantially enclosed areais such that a child is bounded on substantially opposite sides. Forexample, an infant 102 standing within the enclosed area is bounded onits right side by an upper side bar 104 and on its left side by an upperside bar 104 (not visible in FIG. 1). The infant 102 bounded on oppositesides may then be less prone to injury due to having one or more bars tograsp regardless of the direction it is facing. Additionally, the infant102 bounded on opposite sides may also be less prone to injury due toits fall being stopped or softened by the upper graspable bar 103.

The geometric relationship of the upper polygonal peripheral graspablebar 103 and the lower base 109 provide stability for the child activitysystem 100. According to the depicted embodiment, the lower base 109substantially forms a rectangular shape and substantially encloses arectangular area with the full lower base 109 resting on the ground. Thecontact of the lower base 109 with the ground at points not directlybelow the upper graspable bar 103 or the area enclosed by the uppergraspable bar 103 helps to maintain the center of gravity of the childactivity system 100 within the extremities of the lower base 109. Thismay help to keep the child activity system from tipping.

According to one embodiment, the lower base 109 makes contact with theground at a sufficient distance from the area directly below the uppergraspable bar 103 that both the center of gravity of the infant 102 andthe child activity system 100 are maintained within the extremities ofthe lower base 109. For example, according to the depicted embodiment,the total area enclosed by the lower base 109 is sufficiently greaterthan the area enclosed by the upper graspable bar 103 to maintain thecombined center of gravity of the child activity system 100 and theinfant 102 within the area enclosed by the lower base 109, even when achild leans on or applies a force to the infant activity system.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when an infant 102applies forces to the upper graspable bar 103 the child activity system100 will not tilt or tip over. This provides a safe and stableenvironment for children to play in. According to one embodiment, asshown in FIG. 1, the width of the lower base 109 is approximately threetimes the width of the upper graspable bar 103 (or greater) whilemaintaining approximately the same length. In other words, the ratio ofthe width of the lower base 109 to the width of the upper graspable bar103 is approximately three, in one embodiment. According to otherembodiments, the lengths and/or widths may have different ratios.

The lengths and configurations of the various bars, as well as thedimensions of the child activity system 100, can vary significantly. Theillustrated lengths are exemplary only. Also, the various bars,according to some embodiments, may be composed of one or more bars andone or more connectors.

Although the lower base 109 substantially forms a rectangular shapesubstantially enclosing a rectangular area, the shape and configurationof the lower base 109 can vary considerably. For example, the base mayenclose an area but need not even substantially enclose an area.According to one embodiment, the lower base 109 forms a full rectangularshape and encloses an area. According to another embodiment, the basecomprises a number of bars that extend outward from the attacher bars110. The outward extending bars could serve to provide stability to theupper graspable bar.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, as shown, an infant 102 may walkor stand within the area enclosed or substantially enclosed by the uppergraspable bar 103 of the infant activity system 100. The enclosed orsubstantially enclosed area may provide a safe environment for theinfant 102 to learn to stand and/or walk. Alternatively or additionally,according to the depicted embodiment, the infant 102 may walk or standon the outside of the upper graspable bar 103. Due to the stability ofthe child activity system 100, the infant 102 may use the uppergraspable bar 103 to at least partially support its weight.Additionally, the infant 102 may grasp or use an attacher bar 110, theupper end bar 106, or the upper side bar 104 to pull itself up to astanding position.

Further description, explanation, and possible variations of theembodiment of FIG. 1 are provided in relation to the following figures.

FIG. 2A depicts a top view of the child activity system 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the child activity system 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C depicts end views of the child activity system 100 of FIG. 1with the upper graspable bar 103 at three separate heights h1, h2, andh3. According to the depicted embodiment, the attacher bars 110 comprisea small diameter bar 140 and a large diameter bar 150. According to thedepicted embodiment, the large diameter bar 150 is the same diameter asother bars, such as lower side bar 118, lower end bar 114, and upper endbar 106. The small diameter bar 140 fits within the larger diameter bar150 and is allowed to slide between heights h1, h2, and h3. According toone embodiment, the small diameter bar 140 is fixed at some locationwithin the large diameter bar 150 by a clip or other fastener.

In the depiction of FIG. 2C, when the upper graspable bar is at heighth3, the upper graspable bar 103 rests on the large diameter bar 150 atpoint 201. This may be the case, for example, if the large diameter bar150 and the small diameter bar 140 are of approximately equal length, orthe small diameter bar 140 is of shorter length than the large diameterbar 150. According to other embodiments, the small diameter bar 140 isof greater length than the large diameter bar. This may keep the uppergraspable bar 103 from resting on the large diameter bar 150 at point201 and thereby limit the chance of a pinching hazard between the uppergraspable bar 103 and the large diameter bar 150 at point 201.

According to the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, the smalldiameter bar 140 extends upward from within the large diameter bar 150to the upper graspable bar 103 and the large diameter bar 150 connectsto the lower base 109. According to another embodiment, the position ofthe small diameter bar 140 and the large diameter bar 150 is switched.This may be advantageous in some embodiments, of allowing for easieradjustment of the height (h1, h2, h3) of the upper graspable bar. SeeFIG. 4B for further explanation.

According to one embodiment, the child activity system 100 may be atleast partially disassembled. According to one embodiment, the childactivity system 100 is at least partially disassembleable by detachingone or more bars from one or more bar connectors. According to oneembodiment, some bars at certain points are removably attached to one ormore bar connectors while the same or different bars are permanentlyattached. According to one embodiment, removable attachments include afriction fit between a bar and a connector. According to anotherembodiment, removable attachments include one or more holes and one ormore fasteners. Other embodiments of removable attachments include botha friction fit and the use of a fastener. According to one embodiment,permanent attachments include a bar glued to a bar connector. Othermethods of permanently attaching a bar to a bar connector will beapparent to one skilled in the art in light of the present description.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-3D, exemplary detachability of child activitysystem 100 is shown. FIGS. 3A-3B depict the detachability of the childactivity system 100 according to one embodiment. FIG. 3A, the childactivity system 100 is shown as detachable can be characterized ascomprising two end support segments 300 that are interchangeable, alongwith two upper side bars 104 and two lower side bars 118. According tothe depicted embodiment, the connection between the upper side bars 104and the lower side bars 118 with the bar connectors 108, 116 of the twoend support segments 300 is a detachable connection. According to oneembodiment, the upper and lower side bars 104, 118 are modularinterchangeable components. For example, according to one embodiment, aupper side bar 104 could be connected in place of a lower side bar 118,and vice versa.

FIG. 3B shows the components of an end support segment 300. Each endsupport segment 300 includes upper 310 and lower 320 end segments thatreceive one another telescopically as described in further detail inrelation to FIGS. 4B and 4C. In one embodiment, upper 310 and lower 320segments are comprised of components that are permanently attached toprovide ease of assembly, disassembly and shipment. For example, theupper segment 310 includes two small diameter bars 140 and upper end bar106 permanently bonded to two three way bar connectors 108. The lowersegment 320 includes two portions, each of which include a largediameter bar 150 and a lower end bar 114 permanently bonded to two elbowbar connectors 116.

The permanent bonds between particular components may make the childactivity system 100 easier to assemble while still allowing it to bedissembled for transportation and/or storage.

Turning to the next figures, FIGS. 3C-3D depict the detachability of thechild activity system 100 according to another embodiment. As shown, thechild activity system 100 comprises two vertical end supports 350 thatare interchangeable and usable on either side. The vertical end supports350 comprise an upper end segment 310 with two lower support tubes 150telescopically received; the lower support tubes 150 each having anelbow bar connector 116 permanently bonded thereto. Also included inthis embodiment are two horizontal base supports 351 that are useable oneither side of the child activity system 100. Each horizontal basesupport 351 comprises a lower side bar 118 having two lower end bars 114connected at each ends with elbow bar connectors 116 permanently bonded.Lastly included are two interchangeable upper side bars 104.

The permanent bonds between particular components may make the childactivity system 100 easier to assemble while still allowing it to bedissembled into a smaller size for transportation and/or storage.

Turning to FIGS. 4A-4D, 5A-5B, and 6A-6 b exemplary connectionmechanisms using spring fasteners are shown. In FIG. 4A one exemplaryembodiment of an upper sidebar/lower sidebar (sidebar) 104/118 is shown.The sidebar 104/118 is shown with a spring fastener 111 extendingthrough a hole in the sidebar 104/118. The spring fastener 111 isdepressible for insertion into a bar connector, for example barconnectors of FIGS. 5A-6B.

FIG. 4B depicts one exemplary embodiment of the components of anattacher bar 110. According to the depicted embodiment, the attacher bar110 includes a large diameter bar 150 and a small diameter bar 140.Although the small diameter bar 140 and the large diameter bar 150 areshown separated, the small diameter bar 140 fits telescopically withinthe large diameter bar 150. The small diameter bar 140 has a springfastener 141 extending through a hole. The large diameter bar 150 has aplurality of holes 151 for selectively receiving the spring fastener141. Similar to the spring fastener 11 of FIG. 4A, the spring fastener141 is depressible for insertion and/or adjustment of the small diameterbar 140 in the large diameter bar 150. For example, the spring fastener141 of the small diameter bar 140 can be depressed and inserted/adjustedbetween one of the holes 151. Thus, the length of the attacher bar 110can be varied and provide a variety of heights for the graspable bar103, such as heights h1, h2, h3 of FIG. 3C.

According to one embodiment, the large diameter bar 150 includesflexible sleeve that covers the holes 151. The flexible sleeve allowsthe spring fastener 114 to protrude through the hole, but limits entryinto the holes 151 from outside the bar. For example, the flexiblesleeve may limit a child's fingers from getting caught in one of theholes 151. A child's finger in one of the holes 151 when the smalldiameter bar 140 may be dangerous and could result in injury to thefinger. The flexible sleeve limits this danger. According to oneembodiment, the flexible sleeve is formed of shrink fit rubber tubingthat is placed over the large diameter bar 150 at the location of one ormore holes 151.

According to one embodiment, the large diameter bar 150 is connected tothe lower base 109 and according to other embodiments is connected tothe upper graspable bar 103. According to one embodiment, it isdesirable to have the large diameter bar 150 connected to the uppergraspable bar 103 and the small diameter bar 140 connected to the lowerbase 109 because it may make it easier to adjust the height. Forexample, according to this embodiment, because the spring fastener 141extends through one of the holes 151 of the large diameter bar 150, itmay be possible to simply grasp the large diameter bar 150, press thespring fastener 141 and lift in order to increase the height. This isbecause gravity will pull on the lower base 109 and the small diameterbar 140 downward. This may require only the use of one hand to adjustthe length of a single attacher bar 110. According to one embodiment, ifthe small diameter bar 140 is connected to the upper graspable bar 103one hand is needed to press the spring fastener 141 another hand isneeded to push-pull on the small diameter bar 140 or the upper graspablebar. This may require the use of two hands to adjust the length of asingle attacher bar 110.

FIGS. 4C and 4D depict exemplary spring fasteners 111, 141 for usewithin bars to provide a removable and/or adjustable connection. FIG. 4Cshows one embodiment of a Y-spring fastener 111/141 for use within abar, such as a side bar 104/118, a small diameter bar 140 or any otherbar of the activity system 100. The Y-spring fastener 111/114 has abutton 401 for extending through holes in bars and/or bar connectors.The Y-spring fastener 111/141 is compressible along the arrows 402. TheY-spring fastener 111/141 may be inserted into a bar with the button 401extending through a hole and the opposite arm of the “Y” pressing on theopposing wall within the bar. Because the Y-spring fastener 111/141 iscompressible, the button 401 may be pressed to insert/adjust the barinto another bar or connector. For example, if the Y-spring fastener111/141 resides within a siderbar 104/118, then the button 401 may bepressed to insert the sidebar 104/118 into a connector. If the Y-springfastener 111/141 resides within the small diameter bar 141 the button401 may be pressed to insert or adjust the small diameter bar 140 in thelarge diameter bar 150.

Due to the geometry of the Y-spring fastener 111/141 it may be useful inbars where the holes are very near the end of the bars. This is becausethe Y-spring fastener 111/141 does not extend very far past the button401 in at least one direction. Thus, the Y-spring fastener may be usefulin bars that are connected to bar connectors.

FIG. 4D shows one embodiment of a C-spring fastener 111/141 for usewithin a bar, such as a side bar 104/118, a small diameter bar 140 orany other bar of the activity system 100. The C-spring fastener 111/114has a button 401 for extending through holes in bars and/or barconnectors. The C-spring fastener 111/141 is compressible along thearrow 403. The C-spring fastener 111/141 may be inserted into a bar withthe button 401 extending through a hole and the legs 405 pressing on theopposing wall within the bar. Because the C-spring fastener 111/141 iscompressible, the button 401 may be pressed to insert/adjust the barinto another bar or connector. For example, if the C-spring fastener111/141 resides within a siderbar 104/118, then the button 401 may bepressed to insert the sidebar 104/118 into a connector. If the C-springfastener 111/141 resides within the small diameter bar 141 the button401 may be pressed to insert or adjust the small diameter bar 140 in thelarge diameter bar 150.

Due to the geometry of the C-spring fastener 111/141 it may be useful inbars having smaller diameters. This is because the distance which thebutton 401 may be pressed is not limited by any other portion of thespring fastener. For example, the Y-spring fastener 11/141 of FIG. 4C islimited in how far it can compress within a pipe due to the opposing“arms” of the Y. Thus, the C-spring fastener may be useful in barshaving smaller diameters, such as the small diameter bar 140 of anattacher bar 110.

In light of the present disclosure one of skill in the art willrecognize that the spring fasteners 111/141 of FIGS. 4C and 4D areexemplary only and that significant variation is possible withoutdeparting from the scope and content of the present invention. Forexample, the size and length of the buttons 401 may vary to accommodatedifferent size holes or different thicknesses in the walls of the bars.Also, other considerations may call for variations in button sizes. Forexample, a longer button 401 may limit the slippage of an engaged bar orbar connector, allowing for a stronger hold. On the other hand, ashorter button 401 may be easier to press and provide for easieradjustment.

Additionally, the material of which the spring fasteners 111/141 is mademay vary considerably. According to one embodiment, they are formed ofnylon. According to other embodiments, they may be formed of a plastic,metal, rubber, or other material. According to one embodiment, theseparate portions of the spring fasteners 111/141 are made of differentmaterials.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B exemplary bar connectors 116,108 are shown. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict one exemplary embodiment of anelbow bar connector 116 having one or more holes 510. The holes 510 mayeach receive the button of a spring fastener, such as spring fasteners111/141 of FIGS. 4A-4D. The depicted bar connector 116 is at leastpartially hollow, similar to an elbow for connecting pipes. According toone embodiment, the internal diameter of the bar connector 116 isapproximately the same as the external diameter of a bar. Thus, a barmay be inserted and received by the elbow bar connector 116 and may beheld in place, at least in part, by the button of a spring fastener. Theelbow bar connector 116 has two openings for receiving bars. The elbowbar connector 116 may connect to two bars simultaneously and maintainthe two bars at a substantially 90 degree angle. Other embodiments mayinclude elbow bar connectors 116 having other angles.

For example, according to one embodiment, the lower side bar 118 of FIG.4A is to be connected to the elbow bar connector 116 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.A user may take the lower side bar 118 in one hand and the elbow barconnector 116 in another hand. The user can connect the two by pressingthe button 401 of the spring fastener 111 and inserting the lower sidebar 1118 into the opening of the elbow bar connector 116. The user canadjust the position of the lower side bar 1118 within the elbow barconnector 116 until the button 401 of the spring fastener 111 extendsthrough the hole 510. The lower side bar 118 is then substantiallysecured within the elbow bar connector 116.

According to one embodiment, bars are dry-fitted into the elbow barconnector 108. According to one embodiment, this dry-fit system allowsthe infant activity system 100 to be assembled by hand, without the useof tools, adhesives or fasteners, which greatly simplifies theassembly/disassembly process for the user. According to one embodiment,the fit between the bars and the bar connectors is similar to theconnection between polymerized vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and PVC pipeconnectors. The close tolerances of industry-standard PVC pipes mayallow the infant activity system 100 to be very stable.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict one embodiment of a three way bar connector 108.The three way bar connector 108 has three openings for receiving bars.The three way bar connector 108 may connect to three bars simultaneouslyand maintain the three bars at a substantially 90 degree angle from eachother. Other embodiments may include three way bar connectors 116 havingother angles. The three way bar connector 108, according to the depictedembodiment, has a plurality of holes 610 on each opening. This may allowbar connectors to be attached to each end of a bar in a variety oforientations. Other embodiments, may include fewer holes 610, no holes610, or holes 610 only on certain openings. The three way bar connector108 may be attached to one or more bars similar to the manner describedabove in relation to the elbow bar connector 116 of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Significant variation is possible on the above discussed bar connectors116, 108. For example, the openings, holes, material, and other aspectsof the bar connectors may vary between embodiments. According to oneembodiment, all of the openings are the same size on a single barconnector. According to other embodiments, the openings may be ofdifferent sizes on the same bar connector. According to varyingembodiments, a bar is received into the bar connectors 116, 108 todifferent depths. For example, the openings may extend further from thebody, providing additional support and strength in holding an insertedbar in a desired position. Also, the thickness of the walls of the barconnectors 116, 108 and the pipes may vary according to need forstrength, weight, etc.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment for connecting bars of different sizes tothe same bar connector. The depicted embodiment is the upper end segment310 of the end support segment 300 of FIG. 3A. The bar connectors 116connect bars of different sizes. Specifically, the bar connectors 116connect an upper end bar 106 to two small diameter bars 140.

According to the depicted embodiment, the openings of the three way barconnectors 116 are all the same size and are suitable to fit thediameter of the upper end bar 106. Because the small diameter bars 140have a smaller diameter than the upper end bar 106, spacer 710 iscombined to the small diameter bar 140 and to the three way barconnector 116. Thus, the smaller diameter bar 140 is received into thelarger opening of the three way bar connector 116.

According to one embodiment, the spacer 710 may be permanently bonded onthe small diameter bar 140 and/or in the three way bar connector 116.Other embodiments may be dry fitted for easy assembly and disassembly.

FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate one embodiment of the child activitysystem 100 dissembled and placed in a mode for storage and/ortransportation. FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of the child activitysystem 100 in a storage/transportation mode.

According to one embodiment, the child activity system 100 isdisassembleable according to the depiction of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The endsupport segments 300 are arranged to directly oppose one another whileupper 104 and lower 118 side bars have room to be placed between. Theresulting storage/transportation arrangement is dense and compact. Thiscan lead to significant convenience for users due to small storage areaand ease of assembly/disassembly. Additionally, reduction in size forshipping may significantly help reduce the shipping price and lead toeconomy and profitability of the child activity system 100.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the child activity system 100 in astorage/transportation mode. FIG. 8C shows a side view of the childactivity system 100 in a storage/transportation mode. FIG. 8D shows anend view of the child activity system 100 in a storage/transportationmode.

Turning now to FIG. 9 an exemplary child activity kit 900 is shown.According to one embodiment, the child activity kit contains primarycomponents used to assemble the infant activity system according to theembodiment of FIG. 1. According to one embodiment, the infant activitysystem 100 is provided in the form of the child activity kit 900 whichcan then be at least partially assembled for use and/or sale. The childactivity kit 900 includes a variety of bars and bar connectors.Additional, fewer, or alternate items may be included in variousembodiments. For example, some embodiments may include some of theaccessories, toys, and/or play features depicted in FIGS. 11 through 18.

According to the depicted embodiment, the child activity kit 900includes four side bars 104/118 of approximately equal length, fourattacher bars 110 of approximately equal length, and six end bars106/114. According to one embodiment, each of the side bars 104/118 areinterchangeable with each other, each of the four attacher bars 110 areinterchangeable with each other, and each of the end bars 106/114 areinterchangeable with each other. According to other embodiments, thebars of the same type (i.e. the side bars 104/118) are notinterchangeable. For example, there may be upper side bars 104 which aredifferent from the lower side bars 118. The child activity kit 900includes four three way bar connectors 108 and eight elbow barconnectors 116. As will be clear to one of skill in the art upon readingthis description, the four attacher bars 110 are exemplary only andcould be replaced with the telescoping attacher bars 110 of FIG. 4B.

According to the depicted embodiment, the child activity kit 900 alsoincludes a flexible bag container 902 and an assembly instruction sheet904. According to one embodiment, both the flexible bag container 902and the assembly instruction sheet 904 include the product name or otherproduct indicia 906. According to one embodiment, the flexible bagcontainer 902 is reusable and may allow the disassembled child activitysystem 100 to be stored therein.

The bars depicted are exemplary only and may be interchanged with otherbars of different configurations. For example, according to oneembodiment, the side bars 104/118 are each composed of two bars of abouthalf length and a straight bar connector. The straight bar connector maybe a bar connector that connects to two bars and maintains themapproximately along the same axis. According to such an embodiment,there may be advantages to composing longer bars, such as the sidebars104/118, of multiple smaller bars and one or more connectors. Forexample, side bars 104/118 formed of two bars and a straight connectorare, in some embodiments, stronger. One embodiment includes a pluralityof bars of equal length and multiple straight connectors which can thenbe connected to form the respective side bars 104/118, end bars 16/114,and attacher bars 110.

According to one embodiment, the components of the child activity kit900 are different colors. For example, the components could be colorcoded. This, in conjunction with a color assembly instruction sheet 904may help to improve the ease with which child activity kit 900 isassembled to form the child activity system 100. Additionally, theforming of the components different colors may make the child activitykit 900 or system 100 more marketable and may help to encourage interestin and use of the child activity system 100 by children. For example,according to one embodiment, the side bars 104/118 are a single color,the attacher bars 110 are a single color, and the end bars 106/114 are asingle color. The bar connectors may also be the same color. Accordingto one embodiment, the side bars 104/118 are blue, the attacher bars 110are red, the end bars 106/114 are also red, and the bar connectors108/116 are yellow. According to one embodiment, the straight barconnectors, if any, are green.

According to one embodiment, to provide added user convenience, portionsof infant activity system kit 900 are factory preassembled. For example,end support segments 300 of FIG. 3A-3D may be preassembled at thefactory prior to shipping. Upon reading the teachings of thisspecification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understandthat, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such aspreferred shipping size, intended use, etc., other kit arrangements,such as, for example, providing fully assembled units, etc., maysuffice. Furthermore, upon reading the teachings of this specification,those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, underappropriate circumstances, considering issues such as cost, consumerdemand etc., other end support arrangements, such as, for example,producing a unitary molded unit replacing the end bar set, attacher barset, and connector set, etc., may suffice.

Turning to FIG. 10A, exemplary side bars 104/118 that are composed ofmore than one bar are shown. According to the depicted embodiment, theside bars 104/118 each include one straight bar connector 1002 and twoside bar portions 1004. The side bar portions 1004 include springfasteners 111 at each end and the straight bar connectors 1002 includeholes 1003 for receiving a button of the spring fasteners 111. The holes1003 and spring fasteners 111 can be used to connect and removablesecure the side bar portions 1004 to the straight bar connector. FIG.10A depicts the side bars 104/118 in dissembled and assembledconfigurations.

According to one embodiment, replacing the side bars 104/118 of FIG. 9with the side bars 104/118 of FIG. 10A may be desirable. This may allowa child activity system 100 or kit 900 to be disassembled andstored/transported in a smaller container or configuration. This mayalso provide additional strength for the side bars 104/118. For example,in some embodiments, the side bars 104/118 of FIG. 10A are stronger thanthe side bars 104/118 of FIG. 9 due to the added support of the straightbar connector 1002. The strength of the side bars 104/118 composed ofstraight bar connectors 1002 and side bar portions 1004 may varyaccording to the thickness of the walls, the length, or the depth of thestraight bar connectors 1002. For example, if the depth and length ofthe straight bar connectors 1002 is such that the side bar portions 1004are received deeper into the straight bar connectors 1002, this mayprovide for added support and/or strength.

According to the depicted embodiment, the both side bar portions 1004are removably attachable to the straight bar connectors 102. Accordingto other embodiments, one or both of the side bar portions 1004 arepermanently attached or bonded to the straight bar connector 1002. Forexample, it may be desirable to have one of the side bar portions 104permanently attached to the straight bar connector 102 to limit theamount of assembly/disassembly required and/or limit the chance oflosing a portion of the side bars 104/118.

According to one embodiment, similar to that mentioned above, thecomponents of the side bars 104/118 may be colored and/or color coded.For example, according to one embodiment, the side bar portions 1004 areblue and the straight bar connectors 1002 are green. Other color schemesare also possible and may be desirable in some embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 10B exemplary embodiments of bar extenders 1010, 1012are shown. According to the depicted embodiment, each side bar extender1010, 1012 includes a straight bar connector 1002 and a bar extenderportion 1008. The bar extenders 1010, 1012 may be placed on the end of abar, such as side bars 104/118, end bars 106/114, or attacher bars 110to extend the length of the respective bars. For example, the barextenders 1010, 1012 may be added to the side bars 104/118 to extend thelength of the child activity system 100. This may be desirable, forexample, to provide a greater length for an infant 102 or child topractice walking. Similarly, the bar extenders 1010, 1012 may be addedto the end bars 106/114 or attacher bars 110 to change the width of theupper graspable bar 101, the width of the lower base 109, or the heightof the attacher bars 110.

FIG. 10B depicts bar extenders 1010, 1012 of two different lengths.According to one embodiment, the length of the straight bar connectors102 is the same but the length of the bar extender portion 1008 varies.This may be desirable to provide flexibility in how much a bar isextended. These lengths are exemplary only and can vary greatly. Barextenders 1010, 1012 of drastically different lengths are possible andmay be desired.

According to one embodiment, bar extenders 1010, 1012 are sold in setsof four bar extenders 1010, 1012 all having the same length. Forexample, four long bar extenders 1012 may be sold together. According toanother embodiment, bar extenders 1010, 1012 are sold in sets of two.For example, two short bar extenders 1010 may be sold together.

The bar extenders 1010, 1012 above are only exemplary. Other methods andmechanisms may be used for adjusting the length, height, or width of thechild activity system 100, as illustrated by the attacher bars 110 ofFIGS. 1-3D and 4B. For example, a similar telescoping bar could be usedas side bars 104/118 or end bars 106/114 to allow for the adjustment ofthe dimensions of the child activity system 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 through 18, accessories, play features, andexemplary modes for the child activity system 100 will be discussed. Thedifferent accessories, play features, toys, and modes may help toprovide additional utility to the child activity system 100 for evenolder children.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a child activity system 100 withattachable play features 1102. The child activity system 100 is similarto the child activity system 100 of FIG. 1. However, the lower base 109completely encloses an area due to a lower end bar 114 connected betweenthe lower portion of the attacher bars 110 with T-bar connectors 1110.The child activity system 100 of FIG. 11 is exemplary only and could bereplaced by the child activity system 100 of FIG. 1, for example.

According to the depicted embodiment, the attachable play featuresinclude straps 1104 attached to toys 1104. The toys 1103 may be avariety of toys including soft toys, balls, rings, or any other toysthat may be enjoyable for a child. According to one embodiment, thestraps 1104 are permanently attached to the toys 1103. For example, thestraps 1104 may be sewed or glued to the toys, or attached in anotherpermanent manner. According to another embodiment, the straps 1104 areremovably attached to the types 1103, for example by the use of hook andloop fasteners. According to one embodiment, the straps 1104 may beselectively attached to a bar of the child activity system 110 and/or toa toy 1103. The straps 1104 may employ the use of hook and loop typeattaching features to attach to toys 1103 or a bar of the child activitysystem 100. According to one embodiment, the straps 1104 are adapted tofirmly hold a toy 1103 suspended while providing a breakaway safetyfeature if more than a predetermined weight is applied to the toy 1103.This may be desirable to limit the danger of a child getting caught inthe toy 1103 or straps 1104.

Turning now to FIG. 12 perspective view of a child activity system 100in one embodiment of a child walking training configuration is shown.According to the depicted embodiment, a toy 1103 is attached to the endof the child activity system 100. Accordingly, the toy 1103 has beenlocated to draw a child 102 user into walking the length of childactivity system 100. This may be desirable to provide motivation for achild 102 to attempt to walk using the child activity system.

FIG. 13A shows a side view of a basketball hoop 1300, according to oneembodiment. According to the depicted embodiment, the basketball hoop1300 comprises a coupler support 1304 and a backboard 1302, as shown.According to one embodiment, coupler support 1304 is adapted to supportthe basketball hoop 1300 by engaging a horizontally oriented bar, suchas an end bar 106 of the child activity system 100, as shown in FIG.13B. According to one embodiment, the basketball hoop 1300 is adapted tobe stabilized by one or more vertically oriented bars, such as an upperside bar 104, of infant activity system 100, as shown in FIG. 13B. FIG.13B depicts the child activity system 100 resting on an end rather thanon the lower base. This may be desirable to present the basketball hoop1300 at a greater height, for example. According to other embodiments,the basketball hoop 1300 may be rested on the child activity system 100when it is in other configurations, such as when it is rested on itslower base 109.

According to one embodiment, the basketball hoop 1300 is removable andcan be used when desired to provide a sports theme to the child activitysystem 100. According to one embodiment, the basketball hoop 1300 is ofa type used with basketballs of reduced size, for example, smallbasketballs of foam construction. According to one embodiment, thebasketball hoop 1300 comprises a hoop diameter of about six inches and abackboard 1302 dimension of about 12 inches by 12 inches. According toone embodiment the basketball hoop 1300 is constructed from anappropriately durably material, for example plastic. Upon reading theteachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the artwill now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, consideringissues such as sport theme, intended use, etc., the use of otherbasketball hoop features, such as, for example, team logos, indcia,etc., may be desirable.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the child activity system 100 resting twoembodiments of activity mats 1402, 1404. FIG. 14A depicts the childactivity system 100 resting on an activity mat 1402 having basefasteners 1403 to hold the child activity system 100 to the mat 1402.According to one embodiment, the base fasteners 1403 keep the childactivity system 100 in substantially the same position when a child isdoing walking training. For example, when a child is walking on theactivity mat 1402 and applying a force to the upper graspable bar 103 ofthe child activity system 100 the base fasteners 1403 maintain the childactivity system 100 on the activity mat 1402. Additionally, according toone embodiment, the activity mat 1402 provides an amount of padding toprotect a child in case of a fall. This may enable child activity system100 to be used safely on even very hard surfaces such as hardwood floorsor cement.

FIG. 14B depicts the child activity system 100 resting on an activitymat 1402 having no base fasteners. According to one embodiment, theactivity mat 1404 is a yoga mat. According to one embodiment, theactivity mat 1404 is a may having a non-slip surface. A non-slip surfacemay provide similar benefits to the base fasteners 1403 of FIG. 14A.According to the depicted embodiment, the activity mat 1404 includes adesign pattern 1405. More particularly, the depicted embodiment includesa football field design pattern 1405. Other embodiments may includeother patterns, such as patterns for soccer fields, a hockey rink, abasketball court, baseball field, or any other sports court, field orrink. For example, if the activity mat 1402 had a soccer field designthe child activity system 100 and could be used as a mini soccer fieldwith the attacher bars 110 serving as goal posts. Other design patternsmay include pictures or any other pattern that may be found on a mat,blanket, towel, or the like.

Features of the activity mats 1402, 1404 may be combined or selectivelyused in various embodiments. For example, the base fasteners 1403 of theactivity mat 1402 may be included on the activity mat 1404 of FIG. 14B.Additionally, the activity mat 1402 of FIG. 14A may also include anon-slip surface and/or a design pattern. Various considerations maylead to varying designs of activity mats 1402, 1404. For example,according to one embodiment an activity mat 1402, 1404 may have asignificant amount of padding to provide a softer mat for children, evenon hard surfaces. According to other embodiments, very little paddingmay be needed if it is anticipated that the child activity system 100will be used primarily on carpets or rugs. Additionally, less paddingmay be desired if it is desired that the activity mat 1402, 1404 be easyto store or transport. For example, yoga mats tend to provide greaterpadding and a non-slip surface but tend to be bulky and heavy. By usingan activity mat 1402 having base fasteners 1403 the child activitysystem may still be held in place with a very light activity mat 1402.

According to one embodiment, the base fasteners 1403 comprise a clothstrap that is attached to the activity mat 1402 or other mat and whichhooks around the corners of the lower base 109 of the child activitysystem 100. According to other embodiments, the base fasteners 1403 maycomprise rigid or semi rigid hooks, hook and loop fasteners, strings fortying an activity mat 1402 to the lower base 109, or any other fastenerknown in the art that can connect an activity mat 1402 to the childactivity system 100.

An additional feature providing slip resistance of the child activitysystem 100 is depicted in FIG. 14C. FIG. 14C shows a rubber pad 1406inserted into a hole in an elbow bar connector 116, such as an elbow barconnector 116 at the corner of the lower base 109. The rubber pad 1406is placed such that it will contact the ground and provide a non-slipgrip to the ground. For example, the rubber pad 1406 may provide grip onhard surfaces as well as soft surfaces such as rugs or carpets.According to one embodiment a rubber pad 1406 is placed on an elbow barconnector 116 at each corner of the lower base 109. Other embodimentsinclude a rubber pad 1406 in each bar connector on the lower base 109 ofthe child activity system 100.

According to one embodiment, the rubber pad 1406 retains itself withinthe hole of the bar connector 116. According to another embodiment, therubber pad 1406 has an adhesive surface for sticking to a bar connector.Some embodiments may include bar connectors 116 having walls 1407surrounding the rubber pad 1406 to hold the rubber pad 1406 in placewhen the child activity system 100 is slid across a surface.

Now turning to FIG. 15 a number of play accessories for use with childactivity system 100 are shown. Shown are an activity mat 1402/1404, atoy baseball bat 1501, toy hockey stick 1503, soft small basketball1505, soft soccer ball 1507, soft football 1509, soft baseball 1511, andsoft hockey puck 1513. As will be understood by one skilled in the artin light of the present disclosure, numerous other play accessories maybe included. For example, other sport play accessories may include a toyfootball tee, a toy cricket paddle, a toy hockey stick, or any othersports toy. According to one embodiment, on or more of the sticks, bats,or paddles is formed at least partially of a soft material such rubber,foam, or plastic. According to one embodiment, they are formed ofethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) materials. For example, a hockey stick,cricket paddle, or lacrosse stick are formed from sheets of semi-stiffEVA materials.

In addition to the accessories listed above, mini goals may also beincluded in certain embodiments. For example, a mini goal representing asoccer or lacrosse goal may be included. According to one embodiment,the mini goals are formed of material similar to the bars and barconnectors of the child activity system 100.

Turning to FIG. 16A the child activity system 100 is configured into alarge goal that may be used as a soccer, hockey, lacrosse, or othergoal. According to this embodiment, a net 1601 attached to a childactivity system 100, with a portion of the lower base 109 removed, isconfigured to look and act like a goal. The net 1601, as depicted, isattached to the bars of the child activity system 100 using fasteners1603. According to one embodiment, these fasteners 1603 are hook andloop fasteners for easily attaching and removing the net 1601. Accordingto another the fasteners 1603 are ring fasteners that clip the net 1601to the child activity system 100. This embodiment, along with otherembodiments, illustrates the utility of the child activity system 100for even older children who are well past learning to walk.

FIG. 16B illustrates an embodiment of the invention to provide a ‘playtent’ (or ‘crawl-through’) structure for children's entertainment. Thosefamiliar with child care and development should instantly appreciatethis particular embodiment as children frequently enjoy building andhiding in forts or similar structures. According to the depictedembodiment, tent material 1605 is provided around the child activitysystem 100 system. Fasteners 1603 attach the tent material 1605 to barsof the child activity system 100.

According to one embodiment, the tent material 1605 is constructed fromsoft/flexible fabric or materials, as shown. Upon reading the teachingsof this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issuessuch as intended use, etc., the inclusion of other cover features, suchas, for example, themed indicia, storage pockets, windows, inflatablesections, soft padding including safety padding, etc., may suffice.

Turning now to FIGS. 17A and 17B exemplary embodiments of activity/playtables are shown. FIG. 17A shows a child activity system 100 having anend activity table 1701 mounted at each end. According to the depictedembodiment, the end activity table 1701 has a U shape and can supportitems for use/play by a child. According to one embodiment, the endactivity tables 1701 are formed of a soft lightweight material, such asfoam or plastic. According to one embodiment, the end activity tables1701 are formed of EVA materials. The configuration depicted in FIG. 17Amay be useful for children who are learning to walk. For example, achild may be placed within the upper graspable bar 103 with items placedon one or both of the end activity tables 1701. The child can then bemotivated to stand and play by the items sitting on the end activitytables 1701 or be motivated to walk from one end activity table 1701 tothe other.

FIG. 17B depicts a play table 1703 that covers the upper graspable bar1703. The larger play table 1703 may be desirable for activities needingmore space or for older children who are already walking. The play table1703 could be used for a variety of activities, such as activitiesperformed on any table. Once again, according to one embodiment, theplay table 1703 may be formed of a soft lightweight material, such asfoam or plastic. According to one embodiment, the play table 1703 isformed of EVA materials.

According to one embodiment, the above play/activity tables 1701/1703may be attached to the bars of the child activity system 100 usingfasteners 1603. These fasteners 1603 according to varying embodimentscomprise hook and loop fasteners, ring fasteners, or other fastenersknown in the art. The fasteners 1603 help to maintain the play/activitytables 1701/1703 in a substantially stable position, allowing childrento perform a variety of activities thereon.

FIG. 18 illustrates additional play accessories for the child activitysystem. Shown is an infant harness 1801 and secured to the childactivity system 100 with flexible bands 1801. The infant harness 1801,according to one embodiment, is used to provide additional support foran infant learning to use the present invention. For example, if thechild has developmental challenges it may be that leg exercise wouldhelp the child even if the child is not strong or stable enough tosupport its own weight. Additionally, one embodiment of a toy accessory1805 is also shown.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A child activity system, comprising: an upper graspable bar comprising bars and bar connectors connected to substantially circumscribe an upper area; a lower base comprising extremities that engage the floor when the child activity system is resting on the lower base, the lower base configured to maintain the combined center of gravity of the child activity system and a child within the extremities of the lower base; and a plurality of attacher bars connecting the upper graspable bar and the lower base and the attacher bars supporting the upper graspable bar and the lower base substantially rigid with respect to each other; the child activity system selectively configurable by hand without tools between a plurality of configurations, including a walking training configuration, a play feature configuration, and a storage configuration, wherein the child activity system is at least partially disassembled to take up less space.
 2. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein a child placed within the upper area is bounded on substantially opposite sides by the upper graspable bar.
 3. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein configuring for the play feature configuration comprises one or more of: removably mounting one or more play features to the child activity system; and orienting the child activity system such that the lower base and the upper graspable bar are substantially vertically oriented.
 4. The child activity system of claim 3, wherein the one or more play features comprise at least one of: a basketball hoop; a toy; a table; an infant harness; a tent material; and a goal net.
 5. The child activity system of claim 4, wherein the basketball hoop comprises a u-shaped coupler, the coupler configured to rest on a horizontally oriented bar of one of the upper graspable bar and the lower base.
 6. The child activity system of claim 4, wherein the tent material comprises one or more fasteners to secure the tent material to the child activity system to form a tent-like structure, the tent material draped over the upper graspable bar with the fasteners attached to the lower base, the tent-like structure having one or more walls that extend to the ground when the child activity system is resting on the lower base.
 7. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the bar connectors are concurrently friction-fittable to at least two bars.
 8. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the connectors comprise one or more three-way elbow bar connectors.
 9. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the bars and bar connectors of the upper graspable bar form a rectangle comprising two ends and two sides, the sides greater in length than the ends and the ends disposed at ends of the child activity system and wherein the child activity system is selectively rest-able on the lower base and the ends.
 10. The child activity system of claim 9, wherein the play feature configuration comprises orienting the child activity system to rest on an end.
 11. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein one of the bars of the activity system comprises two or more bars and one or more straight bar connectors.
 12. The child activity system of claim 1, further comprising one or more bar extenders.
 13. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the walking training configuration comprises resting the child activity system on the lower base.
 14. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the walking training configuration comprises a toy mounted on the upper graspable bar, wherein the child may be placed opposite of the toy to motivate the child to walk toward the toy.
 15. The child activity system of claim 1, wherein the graspable bar and the lower base each have a length and a width, wherein the length of the upper graspable bar is substantially the same as the length of the base and wherein the width of the lower base is about three times the width of the upper graspable bar or greater.
 16. The child activity system of claim 1, further comprising an activity mat having one or more base fasteners, the base fasteners configured to maintain the child activity system on the activity mat.
 17. The child activity system of claim 1, further comprising one or more play accessories from the group consisting of: an activity mat; a ball; a toy hockey puck; a mini goal; a toy baseball bat; a toy hockey stick; a toy lacrosse stick; and a toy cricket paddle.
 18. The child activity system of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners, the one or more fasteners comprising: a Y-spring fastener; a C-spring fastener; a hook and loop fastener; and a ring fastener.
 19. A child activity system, comprising: an upper graspable bar comprising bars and bar connectors connected to substantially circumscribe an upper area, wherein a child placed within the upper area is bounded on substantially opposite sides by the upper graspable bar; a lower base comprising extremities that engage the floor when the child activity system is resting on the lower base, the lower base configured to maintain the combined center of gravity of the child activity system and a child within the extremities of the lower base; and a plurality of attacher bars connecting the upper graspable bar and the lower base and the attacher bars supporting the upper graspable bar and the lower base substantially rigid with respect to each other; the child activity system selectively configurable by hand without tools between a plurality of configurations, including a walking training configuration, wherein the walking training configuration comprises resting the child activity system on the lower base, a play feature configuration comprising attaching one or more toys, and a storage configuration, wherein the child activity system is at least partially disassembled to take up less space.
 20. An child activity kit, comprising: components to form an upper graspable bar, the upper graspable bar comprising bars and bar connectors connected to substantially circumscribe an upper area, wherein a child placed within the upper area is bounded on substantially opposite sides by the upper graspable bar; components to form a lower base, the lower base comprising extremities that engage the floor when the child activity system is resting on the lower base, the lower base configured to maintain the combined center of gravity of the child activity system and a child within the extremities of the lower base; and a plurality of attacher bars connecting the upper graspable bar and the lower base and the attacher bars supporting the upper graspable bar and the lower base substantially rigid with respect to each other; wherein the components to form the upper graspable bar, the components to form a lower base, and the plurality of attacher bars may be connected to form a child activity system, the child activity system selectively configurable by hand without tools between a plurality of configurations, including a walking training configuration, wherein the walking training configuration comprises resting the child activity system on the lower base, a play feature configuration comprising attaching one or more toys, and a storage configuration, wherein the child activity system is at least partially disassembled to take up less space. 